I am coming late to this discussion. Some interesting posts.

David’s earlier comments about the census are a reminder for lazy people like me to take the filling out of the damn census more seriously, and to question the wording of the Census questions, since their figures are used extensively to represent us. (Although I am lazy about and resistant to many of their questions as far as the question of religion is concerned I would never claim to belong to any faith.)

As far as the bus slogan is concerned I would be interested in knowing why APN refused to accept it. As it stands it does look ‘provincial and narrow’. Ironically, like the banning of books, APN’s decision to ban the slogan might be a fantastic, inexpensive publicity campaign.

Dear_FH.... "I hear you..I hear you" :) I just don't wanna_buy_the magazine... no "islamo_watchtower" stuff for me_mate.

You_say I focus_on_minorities? of course..THEY are the ones trying_to bomb us,(evidence-convicted Muslims)

Here is a little test :) will you DENOUNCE the actions of Mohammad in claiming "I have been commanded to fight those who do not believe in Allah" (9:29, hadith Muslim book 1 numbers 29,30,31, 32)

Will you unambiguously, without reservation '

1/ Read publically Surah 9:29
2/ Then DENOUNCE invasion or fighting or violence aimed at extending the rule of Islam.?

Will you read hadith Bukhari Volume 4, Book 53, Number 386:

and CONDEMN Caliph Umar for invading the Persians, and using the Quran as his justification?

If you note carefully.. He said:

"I would like to consult you(Al Hormuzein) regarding these countries which I intend to invade."

Notice.. it is not 'one' country.. no specific action or attack against Muslims is mentioned.. nothing,- just "those countries I plan to INVADE"

Now..Let me pre-empt your response:

1/ This is Bukhari the MOST accepted Hadith.. authentic, and recognized by the vast majority of Muslims and Islamic universities world wide..including Al Azhar uni in Cairo.

2/ There is no evidence that the Persians or anyone else were 'invading' the Muslims.

Mohammad had sent letters of demand..to all major kings to "embrace Islam and you will be safe" which is a clear ultimatum/threat of war.

Many Arab tribes were already UNDER Persia's rule before Mohammad...when the Muslims became strong those Arabs rebelled against the Persions and the Muslims helped them... Sedition + Invasion, all justified by 9:29 in that hadith. (by Al Mughira)

Sorry old son.. there is no escaping the facts and no amount of wild generalizations "oh..it was a time of war" will change that.

If you want to argue this, do so from history and fact..not from a grab bag of broad generalization.

The MBS is an event where people from many faiths (Including yours) come to display their ideas.

You knock...and I hear.. I'm not deaf.. but when I counter argue..it is ye who is hard of hearing :)

Fascinating that Porkycrap utilises a discussion about atheism as a pulpit to preach his usual Islamophobic drivel.

Mind you, this bus slogan business has certainly prompted a national discussion about the pervasiveness of religionism in a supposedly secular society. In which case, the AFA has probably achieved much of its purpose without spending a cent so far.

I think if the general public is exposed to fundy outbursts such as Porky's above in response to the campaign, then I'm sure they would have the positive effect of subjecting reigious fundamentalists to the disdain and ridicule they deserve.

I'm in Brisbane at the moment, and I've made a point of observing what advertising is currently allowed on buses - most of it's pretty banal and sales-oriented rather than informative or ideological. Certainly the innocuous slogans suggested by the AFA would make more interesting reading.

Oh and Porky - the AFA campaign was rejected in Adelaide. The legislation you blustered on about applies only to Victoria, I believe. I agree that it's stupid law, but in this case you're barking up the wrong tree, as usual.

If the bus campaign cant go ahead, I would suggest using the money to print bumper stickers that say the same thing, or a variety of similar messages and giving them away....this would achieve the same objective but on many many cars it would surely be a far better outcome.

Good luck David whatever you choose, you've got my vote.

These atheists should ask themselves why they care what others believe?

These atheists come across as parasites feeding on this great Christian nation. No society has ever needed atheists. Great leaps forward in arts, science, and technology all happened when societies were 90% Christian.

Just because they all seem to suffer from chronic depression, doesn't mean they have to attempt to destroy our hope, happiness, and certainty.

David N

Have been rather tardy in responding to this terrible news, as I wanted to listen to the Religion Report first.

Australia? Secular? Democratic? Apparently not.

All the more REASON to continue to create more public awareness of atheism.

For myself, that means a few car stickers.

For the AFA, what next? Happy to offer my support.